You may think that your boss's behavior is just fickle or mean, but some types of behavior are so derogatory and inappropriate that they fall into the category of harassment. You could have grounds for a serious complaint to human resources or even a case for an employment law professional. A boss who belittles or mocks employees, undermines work efforts, makes off-color remarks or tells “jokes” with racial or sexual undertones is exhibiting derogatory behavior, as well as potentially creating a hostile work environment.

Inappropriate Comments

Bosses are charged with conducting performance reviews of employees, providing constructive criticism and tips for improvement. However, if a boss makes inappropriate comments or critiques you as a person, rather than in a professional capacity, it crosses the line. For example, telling you to work on improving your computer skills is appropriate; saying you must be too stupid to operate a computer is derogatory.

Personal Attacks

If something goes wrong with a project or an order in a workplace environment, someone typically has to take responsibility for the error. Admitting mistakes and attempting to rectify the situation is an appropriate response. A boss making a personal attack on an employee is not. For example, a boss who reprimands you for a missed deadline by explaining the financial impact on the company and issuing a warning of an official write-up in the event of another mistake is behaving appropriately; a boss who yells, curses and throws things in response to a missed deadline is behaving in a derogatory manner.

Unfounded Criticism

A boss who places the blame for his mistake on you, publicly criticizes your work, or puts you down for no apparent reason may be behaving in a derogatory fashion. For example, comments such as, “It must be her mistake, she never knows what she’s doing,” or, “There’s no way she can handle that project; she’s a complete idiot,” are both examples of derogatory behavior.

Racial or Sexual Comments

Comments or behaviors that revolve around anything of a racial, sexual or age-related issue are derogatory and should be off-limits in a professional environment. Off-color stories, display of sexually-explicit materials, unwanted touching and suggestive body language are all examples of derogatory actions. Any behavior that puts someone down based on race, religion or sexual orientation is also considered derogatory in nature.

Unprofessional Behavior

Many types of derogatory behavior fall into the catch-all category of "unprofessional behavior." This includes crude language, harsh public criticism or questioning someone’s intellect or ability. All questionable acts should be documented, and when warranted, reported to the company's human resources department or a managing supervisor.